Map of England showing where the Drain arms are recorded
The Drain arms were recorded in England, c. 1620.
Arms such as these were typically recorded in York.
Yorkshire is the largest of the English counties, and it held more gentry families than any other. Land there was split among a great many households rather than a few, so a great many of them carried arms.
This is where the arms were entered in the register. Families often moved to other parts of the country, so the same name can turn up in more than one region.
The body that granted and recorded arms in England in this period.
James VI and I
Sovereign of the period
James VI and I
1603–1625
Reigning in England when the Drain arms are first recorded.
How Arms Worked in England
English heraldry allowed arms to be shared by all legitimate descendants of the original owner. These symbols were treated as personal property that moved through the generations to all children. While the eldest son kept the original design, other family members could use the same shield without needing to change it or register their own unique versions.
Granting authority
The College of Arms in London has regulated the use of coats of arms throughout England and Wales since 1484.
How they got arms
Families typically obtained their coats of arms through a formal grant from the Crown or by proving their ancient right to them.
Where arms were recorded
All official coats of arms are recorded in the registers kept at the College of Arms, which date back to the fifteenth century.
The family's standing
Recorded among the armigerous families of England.
Origin & History of the Drain Family in England
The surname Drain is primarily associated with the northern regions of England, particularly around the historic city of York. By the year 1620, records indicate that families bearing this name were well-established in the area, likely working in trade or agriculture within the local community. The name itself is thought to be a variation of older occupational or locational descriptors that evolved as people moved between towns and rural villages. During the seventeenth century, families in York often lived near the city walls or along the River Ouse, where they contributed to the bustling economy of the region. As the family grew, members likely moved into various crafts and services, helping to shape the social fabric of Yorkshire for generations to come.
Drain Meaning & Related Branches
Root word
Drane
Derived from the Old English word for a drone or bee.
This name
DrainAn occupational name for a beekeeper or a nickname for a lazy person.
also spelled
Drain
Draine
Documented Sources
Sir Bernard Burke, The General Armory of England, Scotland, Ireland and Wales, London: Harrison & Sons, 1884
Bardsley, Charles Wareing, A Dictionary of English and Welsh Surnames, 1901
York City Archives, York Freemen’s Register, 1272–1759
Reaney, P.H., A Dictionary of British Surnames, 1958
Digital archive packCoat of arms PNG, gold border print PDF, vector SVG and the certificate of authenticity. Sent to your email in minutes.
lionCourage, strength and royalty
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
lionCourage, strength and royalty
mulletThe third son, and a divine quality from above
